Speaking engagements are one of the five non-copywriting things I do to expand my business. Yesterday’s presentation in Orange County, CA, was a success (note the great shoes –>>). About 60 attendees heard me speak for an hour on the updated “Free and Low-Cost Tools Your Organization Can’t Live Without.” About 20 people asked to be on my mailing list, and one person wants to call me for a marketing consultation.

Here are a few tips to make your next speaking engagement easy and successful:

1. Go Early. Really Early.
   There’s absolutely nothing worse than scrambling around minutes before a presentation begins, trying desperately to get your computer set up, run to the bathroom, wipe the sweat from your forehead…. Even if it kills more of your precious billable-hour time, if you’ve made the commitment to speak at an event, get there at least an hour early. At least!
2. Fix Your Coffee Breath.
   This time I took a lemon wedge, sprinkled it with Sugar in the Raw (those little brown packets) and ate it in the bathroom. I crushed the lemon rind between my fingers to make my hands smell wonderful. Citrus smells are natural pick-me-ups, and the combination of the lemon juice and raw sugar really scrubbed my mouth clean. I felt more confident. Of course, I could have used breath mints, but I always forget them. Another option… rinse your mouth out with lightly soapy water. It won’t kill you, I promise, and it freshens your mouth so you don’t worry about things between your teeth while you’re speaking.
3. Wear the Good Shoes, But Bring the Comfy Ones.
   Ok, after my eye-opening education about the importance of footwear, I NAILED the shoes! They are gorgeous (that’s the picture at right). But I forgot to bring comfy shoes for the trip home. Thus, I was stuck in those damn fabulous-looking shoes for 12 hours, as well as the suit. I should have packed something else to wear home.
4. Ask for Feedback.
   Most of these types of sessions will collect feedback from attendees, but talk to people before and after your session. What are they hoping to learn? What did they take away? In earlier versions of this class, I learned that people were overwhelmed with all the tips. So I started asking people to track their top five favorites while they’re listening, and I just added my top ten list to the handout.
5. Eat Something. Drink Something.
   Don’t step onto the stage with a growling belly. Make sure you’ve had something nutritious, such as a roll with cheese (I stole it off a cart) or a banana. Candy is a bad idea because you need sustainable energy. And never get up there on just a cup of coffee. As for drinking, ask them for water on hand during your presentation, and drink a little before you start. Take a trip to the bathroom about five minutes before you get up on stage. You’ll be comfortable, confident and energetic.